When is the Canton Fair held?

The Canton Fair is held twice a year: in spring (typically April–May) and autumn (typically October–November). Each edition runs for approximately three weeks across three consecutive five-day phases.

Where is the Canton Fair held?

The Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou Exhibition Complex) on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou (Canton), Guangdong Province, China.

Is the Canton Fair open to the public?

No. The Canton Fair is a professional trade fair open only to registered business buyers. You must pre-register and provide business credentials. Visitors are typically importers, wholesalers, distributors and other trade professionals.

How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair as a buyer?

Buyer registration is free for overseas visitors. However, you will need to budget for flights, accommodation, a China visa, and daily expenses in Guangzhou, which can be significant.

How many exhibitors are at the Canton Fair?

Each edition features tens of thousands of verified exhibitors. The 139th Canton Fair featured over 28,000 unique exhibiting companies.

What Is the Canton Fair? Complete Guide for Buyers & Importers

The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is the world's largest trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou (Canton), China. Every edition attracts tens of thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of buyers from more than 200 countries and regions. If you are an importer, wholesaler, retailer or brand looking to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers, the Canton Fair is where global trade happens.

History and background of the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair was first held in 1957, making it one of the world's longest-running international trade exhibitions. It was launched during a period when China had limited diplomatic relations and used the fair as a primary channel to engage international buyers and generate foreign currency. Over the decades it grew from a modest event in Guangzhou into the colossal trade platform it is today.

The fair is co-organised by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC). It is held every spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) at the Canton Fair Complex — also known as the Pazhou Exhibition Complex — on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou's Haizhu District.

The 'Canton' in the name refers to Guangzhou's historical English name, used by Western traders who first arrived in the Pearl River Delta region in the 16th century. Today the fair retains this historic name while operating as a fully modern, digitalised trade event.

The Canton Fair Complex — the venue

The Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou is one of the largest exhibition venues in the world, with a total indoor exhibition area of over 1.1 million square metres spread across multiple halls. The complex sits on Pazhou Island, bordered by the Pearl River, and is directly accessible by metro, bus, ferry and private transport.

The complex is divided into several exhibition areas (Areas A, B and C), each housing different product categories. A connecting corridor system allows buyers to move between halls and areas without going outside — essential in Guangzhou's humid spring and autumn weather.

The complex is also home to the Canton Fair's permanent online platform, which was launched to allow year-round trade between buyers and exhibitors.

Three phases, three weeks of trade

Each edition of the Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each lasting five days. The phases stagger so that exhibitors in different product categories occupy the halls at different times, preventing overcrowding and allowing buyers to focus on the relevant sectors.

Phase 1 covers electronics, lighting, machinery, vehicles and building materials. Phase 2 covers consumer goods, gifts, home decorations, furniture and hardware. Phase 3 covers textiles, garments, footwear, office supplies, cases, bags and medical devices.

Many buyers attend all three phases, staying in Guangzhou for the full three-week period. Others target just one or two phases most relevant to their sourcing needs.

Who exhibits at the Canton Fair?

Exhibitors are primarily Chinese manufacturers, trading companies and factories — ranging from large state-owned enterprises to small private workshops. The 139th edition featured over 28,000 unique verified exhibitors across all product categories.

Foreign exhibitors are also invited to participate in designated areas, though the vast majority of booths are occupied by Chinese companies. Exhibitors are selected through a quota system managed by regional trade associations, which means the companies present at the fair represent a curated cross-section of Chinese industry.

Booth sizes range from small 9-square-metre standard booths to large corner and custom-built stands. The booth number and hall assignment indicate where a company is located in the complex — a critical piece of information for on-site navigation.

Who attends as a buyer?

Buyers at the Canton Fair include importers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, e-commerce sellers, sourcing agents and procurement managers from virtually every country in the world. Major buying nations include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Russia, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, the Middle East countries and all of Southeast Asia.

To attend as a buyer, you must pre-register on the Canton Fair's official website. Registration is free for overseas buyers, though you will need a valid invitation letter or business credential and a valid visa to enter China.

Online Canton Fair

Since 2020, the Canton Fair has maintained a permanent online platform (cantonfair.net.cn) that allows buyers to browse exhibitor catalogues, view products, request quotes and contact suppliers year-round — not just during the live event. This has extended the fair's reach to buyers who cannot travel to China.

This directory (cantonfair.co) is an independent third-party platform that aggregates and enriches exhibitor data to help international buyers discover Canton Fair suppliers and products before and after each edition.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Canton Fair held?: The Canton Fair is held twice a year: in spring (typically April–May) and autumn (typically October–November). Each edition runs for approximately three weeks across three consecutive five-day phases.
Where is the Canton Fair held?: The Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou Exhibition Complex) on Pazhou Island in Guangzhou (Canton), Guangdong Province, China.
Is the Canton Fair open to the public?: No. The Canton Fair is a professional trade fair open only to registered business buyers. You must pre-register and provide business credentials. Visitors are typically importers, wholesalers, distributors and other trade professionals.
How much does it cost to attend the Canton Fair as a buyer?: Buyer registration is free for overseas visitors. However, you will need to budget for flights, accommodation, a China visa, and daily expenses in Guangzhou, which can be significant.
How many exhibitors are at the Canton Fair?: Each edition features tens of thousands of verified exhibitors. The 139th Canton Fair featured over 28,000 unique exhibiting companies.

What Is the Canton Fair? Complete Guide to the World's Largest Trade Fair